Brittney Zieller has been teaching Fourth Grade at Norfeldt since 2010. Brittney received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University. Brittney is a Fellow in the Central Connecticut Writing Project (2013) and is a volunteer on many committees such as Teacher Liaison for Norfeldt PTO, Central Connecticut Writing Project. Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.

The Teacher of the Year process is rigorous and begins with nominations from other teachers. Nominees then submit a resume, essay and recommendations. Finalists then have a lesson videotaped and the final three are then formally interviewed by the Teacher of the Year committee.

The other 2014 Teacher of the Year finalists were Lauren Drazen and and Jeffrey Michaud.

Lauren Drazen has been teaching Chinese at Hall High School since 2006. Lauren received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University. Lauren has been critical in helping expand our Chinese program, teaching all levels of Chinese, writing and implementing curriculum and organizing, planning and running our annual student trip to China. In addition, in 2012 and 2013 was one of 50 Chinese teachers across the country chosen to participate in the Asia Society Confucius Classrooms Network Teachers’ Institute. Lauren also writes and awards grants annually from the Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust and the Robert E. Dunn Fund.

Jeffrey Michaud has been teaching Kindergarten at Wolcott since 2003. Jeff received his Bachelor of Science in English/Human Growth and Development from Central Connecticut State University and his Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology from Ashford University. Jeff is a multiple grant recipient from the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools and is a Educational Resources grant recipient. Jeff is active in many organizations throughout the District and Wolcott such as Curriculum Professional Development Committee Member from 2009-2013 and Children’s Forest Coordinator from, 2006-2012.

Congratulations to Conard Math Teacher Jackie Corricelli! Being named the Connecticut State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching hasn’t slowed the irrepressibly enthusiastic Conard math teacher Jackie Corricelli. In December, Conard students benefited from Corricelli’s determination to make math fun. Based on a winning plan submitted by Corricelli to the website code.org, Conard qualified for a project titled Hour of Code, in which all Conard students were given the opportunity to learn the basics of computer language using the popular Angry Birds computer game. As part of the winning application, Conard also was given a $10,000 grant for computer science-related materials.

Committed and innovative, Corricelli is always thinking about how to best teach and engage students. As a finalist for the Presidential award, Corricelli is one of an esteemed group of teachers who are being recognized nationally for developing and implementing a high-quality instructional program that enhances student learning. The national winner receives a $10,000 award and a trip for two to Washington, D.C, to be personally congratulated by President Obama.

“I have tremendous admiration for her commitment, facility with the art and craft of teaching, high expectations, rapport with constituents, communication skills, resourcefulness, integrity, entrepreneurial talents, and depth of content knowledge,” said Superintendent Karen List. “This recognition is well-deserved.”

A multi-talented yet modest musician, teacher, and Renaissance man, Hall High School band director John Mastroianni – a professional saxophonist who has taught at Hall for 15 years - was named Connecticut’s 2014 Teacher of the Year by the state Department of Education on Oct. 8.

Lauded for his humility in the face of so many achievements, Mr. Mastroianni has been known to call himself “the biggest spoiled brat on the planet,” for being able to teach and play music for a living. But his students, hundreds of who gathered in the Hall High gymnasium after the announcement, chuckled at that description of their adored teacher, sharing stories of his infinite patience, humility, enthusiasm, and frequent expressions of gratitude toward them for being able to do what he loves for a living.

Among the crowd that day were Gov. Dannel Malloy, Mayor Scott Slifka, and various dignitaries and school administrators who spoke of his many gifts. Said Richard C. Brown, vice president of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, “John Mastroianni is an exceptional teacher. After watching him with his students and interviewing parents, school staff, and students, the selection committee was in awe. We knew he would be an outstanding representative for Connecticut’s teachers.” Mr. Mastroianni and district teachers of the year will be formally honored at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts on Tues., Nov. 19.

Selected from a pool of about 50,000 public school teachers, Mr. Mastroianni will serve as an ambassador for public school education, and will travel to Washington, D.C. in the spring to meet President Obama. He will also be Connecticut’s representative for National Teacher of the Year, whom the president selects in March.

Jeffrey Cowan of Webster Hill School was named the Connecticut Elementary School Social Studies teacher of the year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, which promotes the teaching of American history. He will receive his award, which includes a cash prize, at the Board of Education meeting Wed., Nov. 6, 2013.

The Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance honored the following West Hartford Educators in 2013-14 -Rosey Bonner, Department Supervisor of Health and Physical Education received the Professional Service Award, Bristow'sJerod Leghorn, received theOutstanding New Professional Awardand Smith School'sKathy Millerreceived the Outstanding Program Award.